McCaul Speaks After House Passes Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026

September 17, 2026 Press Release The landmark bill passed the House by a vote of 262 to 159 and will now head to President Trump's desk WASHINGTON – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Texas) held a bipartisan, bicameral press conference after the House passed the the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by a vote of 262 to 159. This legislation — which honors the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who worked on the bill for more than a year and secured the White House’s support — will hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine and extend sanctions that restrict funding for Iran’s energy and weapons sectors. McCaul introduced and championed the legislation in the House alongside Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and a bipartisan group of their colleagues. Image Click to watch Remarks as delivered: What a great day for Ukraine. What a great day for freedom and democracy. I know Lindsey Graham, my friend and mentor, is shining down upon us and you, [Senator Darline Graham]. I can't tell you how much this means to me. You know, I was in Ukraine at the same time [as Lindsey], and he said this is a "magic moment" — a rare opportunity to help end the war in Europe and secure peace through strength. He said this bill would be his greatest legislative achievement in his entire career. And I wish he was here with us today, but I am proud to announce that the bill passed by a vote of 262 to 159. And I want to thank my good friend Steny Hoyer, the lead Democrat on the bill, for his good work and excellent performance on the floor. This bill will cripple Russia's war machine and finally bring Putin to the negotiating table. It will ensure America's adversaries — not only Russia, but also China and Iran — suffer for their coordinated campaign of aggression. Lindsey understood these threats. He had the guts to stand up and confront them, no matter what the political cost was and where the winds were blowing. He understood that this is a moral issue that requires moral courage. During his last press conference, he said, "I have never been more optimistic than I am today that we have the formula to end this war." I couldn't agree more. Today, 262 members of the House voted not just for Ukraine, but for freedom and democracy. And today, we are now one step closer to securing Lindsey's vision of enduring peace in Ukraine and beyond. I want to thank all the members who supported this. I want to thank Darline for being here. I know your brother is shining down from heaven. It was no coincidence in his final speech at St. Michael's Square in Ukraine that the bells started ringing in the church ... as he kept his optimistic, upbeat character, [and a] great sense of humor as well. I will miss him dearly, but I know he is proud, shining down today. Thank you. Issues : Foreign Affairs